Factual Information
On June 14, 2020, VietJet flight VJ322, an Airbus A321 (registration VN-A657), departed Phu Quoc International Airport at 04:23 UTC. The flight crew comprised a captain (Indian, 16,007 total flight hours) and a first officer (Sri Lankan, 2,056 total flight hours). The aircraft was manufactured in March 2018 and had accumulated 8,294 flight hours.
At 05:18, the crew contacted Tan Son Nhat International Airport tower and received clearance to approach runway 25L. The tower advised wind 260/20 knots and rain on the runway. At 05:21, the aircraft landed on runway 25L. During landing, it veered to the right of the runway between taxiways NS and W1, stopping 900 meters from the threshold.
All 217 passengers and 8 crew members evacuated safely via passenger doors and were transported to the terminal. No injuries were reported.
Meteorological Conditions
Terminal aerodrome forecasts indicated wind 250/07 knots with thunderstorms, rain, cumulonimbus cloud, visibility 5000 meters, and cloud ceiling 1500 feet. At touchdown, wind at the touchdown zone was 260/16 knots, varying between 140° and 280°. At the runway midpoint, wind was 180/03 knots, gusting 28 knots. Heavy rain showers were reported, with visibility 1000 meters at the touchdown zone and runway visual range of 225 meters.
Damage
The aircraft sustained mud and grass contamination on the fuselage, wings, and landing gear. Tires 3 and 4 were deflated. The right engine had multiple damaged blades. Runway 25L/07R lost four right edge lights and three taxiway lights.
Direct Cause
The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam determined the direct cause: the flight crew did not execute a go-around in a timely manner when the aircraft encountered severe crosswind and heavy rain with visibility below landing minima.
Safety Recommendations
The report issued recommendations to VietJet, Vietnam Air Traffic Management Corporation, and the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam regarding operational procedures, crew training, and air traffic control coordination.